Strike planned for Monday; delays expected

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) workers are planning to strike Monday, a move that could lead to significant delays at airports and slow-downs in visa and immigration services.

What does the change mean? The strike could delay international travellers at a number of airports and may reduce immigration services, including visa processing.

• Implementation time frame: The strike is planned for Monday.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas.
• Who is affected: International travellers, visa applicants and others in need of DIBP services.
• Business impact: Businesses should be aware of the planned strike and possible delays and should consider adjusting their schedules accordingly.

Background: Workers are striking for better pay and conditions. The action planned for Monday follows a series of work stoppages in June.

The Government and the union representing the workers has said the strike – officially dubbed a “protected industrial action” – will not jeopardize security but that delays should be expected. The DIBP suggests that passengers with international flights Monday arrive early, check-in and promptly proceed to immigration and customs clearance.

Airports expected to be affected include those in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

BAL Analysis: While DIBP says it is working “to minimise impacts on operations,” the strike is nonetheless expected to cause bottlenecks in service. Business people travelling to or from Australia on Monday should brace for the possibility of significant delays.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 9683856

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